Results : Data revealed an 80% positive toxicology or self-report of substance use immediately prior to the onset of the SCI. 25% of males were positive for more than one substance at time of injury. Substances were identified as used prior to injury and listed as most to least prevalent: opioids (37.5%), alcohol (25%), marijuana (25%), methamphetamines (12.5%), benzodiazepines (12.5%), cocaine (6.25%), and synthetic cathinone (6.25%).

Conclusions :

The substances used prior to injury were opioids, ETOH, marijuana, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and synthetic cathinone. Though opioids were the most common substance used none of the individuals positive for opioids at the time of injury were identified by the medical professional to have pain as a secondary health condition either prior to or after injury. Pain, one of the primary secondary health conditions, warrants a pain management plan that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.